Media Critique: "Two sought in Gardiner Lane center shootings" - Courier Journal

Saturday, September 21st, an article was posted about a double shooting in Louisville. Of course this is a very tragic event due to the two deaths of the men involved. But there is something wrong other than people shooting one another. Its the quality of this article!

First off, this article lacks newsworthiness. This story has a very small impact. The purpose of journalism is to inform the public of events that affect them. This story does not affect the public overall and is a short term story. Next week we will have found that this article did not last. Also, reporting on this shooting can cause a very unnecessary negative perspective towards the audience.  

Another problem with this article is its lack of explanation. This article is the perfect example of episodic reporting. To make this article better the journalist could simply explain the connection this has to our daily lives. This shooting took place in an industrial area. Possible connections could be the decrease of public safety, precautionary measures citizens can take to avoid getting involved, etc. 

Last but definitely not least, this is not active reporting. The article displays no evidence of seeking further answers other than interviewing a witness. Why did this shooting take place? Do the police suspect others were involved? The journalist could immediately improve this article by answering more in depth questions. This passive reporting portrays cheap journalism. 

Link to story:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130920/NEWS01/309200124/Two-shot-Gardiner-Lane-Shopping-Center